Mountain Fire Burns Over 20,000 Acres in Ventura County, Crews Achieve 14% Containment

Ventura County, CA – The Mountain Fire, which ignited at 8:51 a.m. on November 6 in Ventura County, has rapidly grown, scorching a total of 20,764.7 acres over the span of just two days. As of Friday afternoon, containment remains limited, with 7% of the fire under control, according to official reports. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

An intensive firefighting effort is underway, involving a team of 2,420 firefighters who are actively battling the blaze. The deployment includes 378 fire engines, 20 water tenders, 14 helicopters, 17 bulldozers, and 34 hand crews. In a statement, Cal Fire confirmed, "Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow."

The fire's rapid spread is fueled by the region's steep, rugged terrain, combined with extremely dry conditions. The challenging landscape has made containment efforts difficult, though firefighting crews have benefited from a recent decrease in wind activity. This moderation has helped slow the fire's progress but has not entirely halted its spread.

Despite these improvements, the fire continues to pose a significant threat, especially to critical infrastructure in the area. Officials warn that unburned pockets of vegetation within the fire's perimeter are expected to continue igniting, complicating efforts to establish complete control lines.

Crews are working around the clock to contain the blaze, with air and ground support prioritizing high-risk areas. As firefighting efforts continue, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and stay informed through official updates.